Update 29 January - We've extended this engagement until 23 February.
Also, watch our new video to help explain our approach to open space management.
Did you know we provide 250 playgrounds and over 800 reserves? While that’s a huge number, we’ve found that some smaller playgrounds aren’t being used as much as larger ones, and some of these are getting old.
Research and engagement with the community has told us many people would prefer to walk a little further to a bigger, better-maintained playground with more to offer.
That’s why we’re recommending that smaller playgrounds in less-used reserves aren’t replaced.
Don’t worry—they won’t disappear overnight! We’ll keep maintaining them until it’s no longer practical, removing equipment only when it can no longer be safely repaired.
Budget saved from not replacing smaller local parks will be reallocated to enhancing larger parks—creating vibrant, well-equipped neighbourhood, district, and regional spaces for our growing community.
We invite you to review the draft Open Space Strategic Management Plan and provide your feedback by 23 February 2025, helping us shape a future that supports quality spaces for all.
The draft Open Space Strategic Management Plan 2025–2030 (draft OSSMP), sets the direction for the future of parks, reserves, and playgrounds across the City of Onkaparinga.
In alignment with the Community Vision 2034, the draft OSSMP ensures that our open spaces will continue to serve the growing needs of our community.
The draft OSSMP has been developed with the following in mind:
Community-centred approach: The draft OSSMP is built on extensive community feedback, ensuring that the open spaces we develop and maintain reflect the desires and priorities of our residents. This involved community engagement from 29 November 2023 to 31 January 2024, including online surveys via Your Say Onkaparinga, and face-to-face interviews.
Quality over quantity: The plan emphasises enhancing the quality of our playgrounds rather than simply increasing their number. It ensures playgrounds and parks are safe, accessible, and cater to a wide range of recreational needs.
Social research: The plan was also informed by comprehensive open space social research which provided benchmarking data and trend analysis, and by assessments of our playgrounds, shade, and public toilet facilities.
Population needs: As our region continues to grow, the draft OSSMP ensures that we will have enough high-quality parks and facilities to meet the demands of our expanding population.
Sustainable future: The plan is focused on long-term sustainability, preventing an unsustainable financial burden for future maintenance and upgrades. This ensures that our open spaces will continue to serve the community without compromising future resources.
Balanced renewal and replacement: By renewing key regional and district playgrounds and responsibly managing the replacement of smaller neighbourhood spaces, the plan aims to deliver a balanced approach to open space management that aligns with community preferences.
Support for active lifestyles: Open spaces are essential for promoting healthy, active lifestyles and mental well-being. The OSSMP plays a key role in supporting these values, contributing to a higher quality of life for all residents.
Engagement and participation: We encourage everyone to get involved and provide feedback. Your input is critical to ensuring that the final plan aligns with community needs and expectations.
Draft OSSMP principles
The principles in the draft OSSMP guide the sustainable development, management, and preservation of our parks, reserves, and playgrounds, while also informing future housing developments.
Key areas covered by these principles include:
- Open space provision: Ensuring sufficient open space that supports biodiversity, habitat protection, and climate change initiatives like urban greening and landfill reduction.
- Playground provision: Maintaining an equitable distribution of high-quality playgrounds, including renewals and supporting infrastructure such as shade, toilets, fencing, and recreation areas.
- Financial responsibility: Balancing sustainability with the provision of facilities to ensure the plan remains within our financial forecasts.
Draft OSSMP delivery
Under the draft OSSMP, council will deliver these outcomes over the next 5 years:
- renew Jubilee Park, one of the key Regional Level Parks in Onkaparinga
- begin planning for a new Regional Level Park at Aldinga
- upgrade six District Level Playgrounds across the city
- renew 14 Neighbourhood playgrounds, providing improved recreational spaces
- exceed industry benchmarks for playground provision for 0–14-year-olds
- explore opportunities to increase tree canopy and suitable use of water and habitat creation.